Congress could block Guantanamo detainees in Illinois: House Republican leader

[JURIST] US House of Representatives minority leader John Boehner (R-OH) [official websites] said Thursday that Congress could potentially block the Obama administration's plan to purchase [JURIST report] the Thomson Correctional Center (TCC) [DOC backgrounder] in northwestern Illinois to house inmates from Guantanamo Bay [JURIST news archive]. Boehner said that at least two pieces of legislation would have to be approved before the detainees could be brought to Illinois and that he doubts either bill would pass [Chicago Sun-Times report]. Under current law [JURIST report], Guantanamo detainees may only be transferred to the US for prosecution, so that law would have to be changed. Congress would also have to pass a bill approving funding for the project. Boehner warned that he would not support war funding bills with either provision attached. A White House spokesperson vowed to work closely with Congress [Reuters report] until Guantanamo is closed.

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